Choice Outstanding Academic Book!
Islamic extremism in Southeast Asia has moved beyond a matter of local concern to one of global significance—as the events of the past decade have so clearly demonstrated. Drawing on intensive on-the-ground investigation and interviews with key militants, Zachary Abuza explains the emergence of radical Islamist groups in the region, examines Al-Qaida's role as organizational catalyst, and explores individual and multilateral state responses to the growing—and increasingly violent—Islamic political consciousness.
Abuza also analyzes state strategies for combating, co-opting, or coping with militant Islamist groups. A key question here is whether state actors are trying to resolve the root causes of Muslim disaffection—or merely using the "war on terrorism" to suppress the symptoms.
Zachary Abuza is professor of national security studies at the National Defense University's National War College and adjunct professor in Georgetown University's Security Studies Program.
No rights in South Asia."There is nothing on the current horizon that approaches the scope and comprehension of this book.... Having read the book, I felt compelled to adopt it in my course."—Robert B. Albritton, Journal of East Asian Studies
"Excellent and timely.... Abuza explores and masterfully details the origins of various terrorist cells and their connections throughout Southeast Asia to larger networks such as al-Qaeda.... A significant contribution, highly recommended for those interested in al-Qaeda and militant Islam in Southeast Asia."—Choice
"Abuza has produced an essential guide to troubled times.... It should stand the test of time."—Don Greenlees, Far Eastern Economic Review
"Chilling and essential reading for both professionals and general readers concerned with the ongoing struggle against terrorism."—Jay Freeman, Booklist
"Abuza often risked his life to gain access to high quality information—information at times unknown to even the intelligence community. He has written the standard text on violent Islamist groups in Southeast Asia."—Rohan Gunaratna, University of St. Andrews, UK
"A truly remarkable book.... For anyone interested in Al-Qaida, Militant Islam in Southeast Asia is mandatory reading."—Peter Bergen, author of Holy Wars, Inc.
"Abuza's chilling analysis explores the cultural and religious traditions and conflicts that have spawned a growing acceptance of radical ideologies and terrorist tactics in Southeast Asia; he masterfully details the origins of various terrorist cells and their connections to larger networks throughout the region and the Middle East."—Paul J. Smith, Asia-Pacific Center for Security Studies
"Showing an astonishing persistence in tying together the threads of the terrorist threat, Abuza has come up with a dazzling display of Al-Qaida at work. It is rare that a book comes out with so deep and thoughtful an analysis of a contemporary subject—this may well become the standard reference on everything happening in the Southeast Asian theater of the world terror crisis."—W. Scott Thompson, Fletcher School of Law and Diplomacy
